In the Lathmar Holi, the women of Barsana, hometown of Radha greet the men from Nandgaon, Lord Krishna's home town with wooden sticks as the festival is celebrated in thw towns of Mathura.

The birth place of Lord Krishna's beloved Radha, Barsana celebrates Holi with extreme enthusiasm as Krishna was famous for playing pranks on Radha and gopis. As a part of the ritual women here charge men with sticks ahead of the actual Holi festival. (Source: Express photo by Pawan Sharma)

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In a Holi tradition unique to Nandgaon and Barsana villages, men sing provocative songs to gain the attention of women, who then "beat" them with lathis. Completely aware of what awaits them in Barsana, men come fully padded and try their best to protecr themselves from the women. According to the tradition, men are not supposed to retaliate on the day. (Source: Express photo by Pawan Sharma)

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Apparently, women of Barsana start preparing for this festival a month in advance. (Source: Express photo by Pawan Sharma)

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Lathmar Holi begins with a ceremony at the Radha Rani temple in Barsana. (Source: Express photo by Pawan Sharma)

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The next day, it is the turn of men of Barsana. They reciprocate by invading Nandgaon and drench the women of Nandgaon in colours. This day, women of Nadagow beat the invaders from Barsana. (Source: Express photo by Pawan Sharma)

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The festival is not just of colours and pranks but also about food and music. During intervals, participants sip 'thandai', a cold drink that is sometime intoxicating because it is laced with a paste called bhang, made of cannabis. Bhang is an integral part of Holi. (Source: Express photo by Pawan Sharma)

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Hundreds of devotees smeared with colours, sing and dance at the Nandagram temple during Lathmar Holi in Nandgaon. (Source: Express photo by Pawan Sharma)